Chase (1985) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Chase is a two-player abstract strategy board game that was released in in 1985. Designed by Dave LaForce, Nathan Morse, Colleen O’Malley, and Néstor Romeral Andrés, the game features grid movement and a hexagon grid layout. With a playing time of around 45 minutes, Chase is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Chase

20 six-sided dice (10 red, 10 blue)

A board with a 9×9 hexagonal grid

Rulebook

One spare die for each player

How To Setup Chase

To set up the game, each player places 9 of their dice on the end of the board closest to them. The dice are arranged such that the values on the top add up to 25. The tenth die for each player is held as a spare. Players roll a die to determine who goes first, with the player rolling the highest number starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Movement: Players move their dice in a straight line the number of hexes equal to the number of pips showing on the die.

Wrapping: Dice can wrap around the board if they reach the edge and still have movement left.

Bumping: A die can bump another die of the same color one space in the same direction.

Capturing: A die captures an opponent’s die by landing on the same hex.

Exchanging Values: Adjacent dice of the same color can exchange values.

Splitting: A die landing in the center hex (chamber space) is split into two dice, with each receiving half the pips of the original die.

Game Objective

The game ends in a draw if both players repeat the same moves three turns in a row.

A player wins by reducing their opponent to four dice, thus reducing the opponent’s maximum total of pips to less than 25.

Player Experience

Chase offers a blend of simplicity and strategic depth. Despite its basic mechanics, the game requires careful planning and execution. Players have numerous options for each turn, including moving, capturing, and exchanging values, which can lead to analysis paralysis but also provides a high level of control over the game’s outcome. The game feels like a game of attrition, with players often trading off capturing each other’s dice, making it a moderately strategic experience.

Pros

High Strategic Depth: Offers many options for each turn, requiring careful planning.

No Luck Involved: The game’s outcome is determined by the players’ decisions, not by chance.

Simple to Learn: Basic mechanics make it accessible to players as young as 8 years old.

Dynamic Gameplay: Includes wrapping, bumping, and splitting mechanics that add complexity.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: The numerous options can lead to long decision-making times.

Repetitive Gameplay: Players may find themselves in a cycle of capturing and recapturing dice.

Limited Fun: Some players may find the game boring due to its repetitive nature.

Personal Thoughts on Chase

Chase is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a high level of control and minimal luck. It is suitable for those who appreciate games like Chess or Checkers but are looking for a twist involving dice. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a fast-paced or highly varied game experience. Overall, Chase is a game that rewards careful strategy and planning, making it a good choice for those who enjoy deep, thoughtful gameplay.

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